As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the excitement around the Philadelphia Eagles and their plans has reached a fever pitch. Fans and analysts alike have been speculating for months about which direction the Eagles will take in the upcoming draft, especially with a deep and talented pool of prospects available. But when the first draft leak came through, it turned heads—this was not the move anyone was expecting.

The Eagles, a team that made it all the way to the Super Bowl in 2023, are clearly in a position where they can afford to be strategic and selective in how they build their roster. With a talented core already in place, they’re looking to add depth and make key moves that can keep them in contention for years to come. So, what was so surprising about the leaked information?

Let’s break down the unexpected draft choices that have fans scratching their heads and asking, “What exactly is going on here?”

The Leak: A Shocking First Pick

The first leak, which comes from trusted insider sources, reveals that the Eagles’ first-round pick is likely to be spent on a position they weren’t expected to target—and it’s not even the one that many fans and experts had been predicting. Instead of bolstering their defense or adding a skilled wide receiver, the Eagles are reportedly leaning toward picking a quarterback.

Yes, you read that right—a quarterback.

With Jalen Hurts coming off an MVP-caliber season and cementing himself as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, this move has raised plenty of eyebrows. The Eagles already have Hurts locked in as their leader for the foreseeable future, so what’s the logic behind this pick?

Some have speculated that the Eagles might be looking for depth at the position in case of injury or future transition, but others are scratching their heads at the timing. The team already has Marcus Mariota as a capable backup, so a high-round quarterback pick would seem out of place.

The Position: What’s the Eagles’ Plan?

As we dig deeper into the potential reasoning behind this surprising draft choice, a few theories start to emerge. One likely explanation could be long-term planning. Hurts is still young, but the Eagles might be looking ahead to the future. The team could be aiming to draft a quarterback who could develop under Hurts and be ready to step in when the time is right. With quarterback-driven offenses dominating the NFL, having a strong backup or potential successor could be crucial.

Another possibility is that the Eagles are simply looking to add competition and create a strong quarterback room. It’s not uncommon for top teams to draft a quarterback as a developmental project, even if they’re set at the position. If the team believes that there’s a prospect with high upside in this draft, they could be taking the “best player available” approach, knowing they can work on him over time.

Regardless of the reasoning, it’s still a bold and unexpected move. The Eagles are usually conservative with their picks, focusing on positions that immediately help them win, like defensive line, offensive line, or wide receiver. A quarterback pick at this stage is definitely a curveball.

The Rest of the Draft: A Focus on the Offensive Line?

While the quarterback leak has gotten the most attention, the rest of the draft is shaping up to follow a much more predictable pattern. The Eagles are expected to target positions that have long been the backbone of their roster—the trenches.

Expect the Eagles to address their offensive line in the mid-rounds. While their front five is solid, there’s always room for improvement, and depth on the line is key to sustaining success. The Eagles have been known for their ability to develop talent up front, so it’s no surprise that they’d look to add another big, strong player to the mix.

Another likely target is the defensive line, as the Eagles have always prided themselves on having a deep and aggressive pass rush. With a few veterans nearing the end of their contracts, the Eagles could look to add another disruptive force to the defensive front to complement Hassan Reddick and Brandon Graham.

And don’t be surprised if they make a move to address wide receiver as well. The Eagles have a star in A.J. Brown, but depth at the position will always be a priority. With younger options like DeVonta Smith still in the mix, they could look for a mid-round receiver to continue building their dynamic offense.

What Does This Mean for the Eagles’ Future?

If the leaked information about the quarterback pick is accurate, it raises some important questions about the Eagles’ long-term strategy. How much longer will Jalen Hurts be the unquestioned starter? Is there any chance that the Eagles are looking to transition away from Hurts in a few years?

While that might seem extreme, it’s also important to remember that NFL teams are always looking for ways to stay ahead of the competition. If they have a young quarterback in the system who is ready to take over when the time comes, that’s a luxury. Plus, drafting a quarterback in the first round could potentially be an asset they could use for trade purposes down the line.

Alternatively, the Eagles could be focused on creating competition at every level of the roster. Even though Hurts is entrenched as the starting QB, competition can make players better, and the Eagles may want to see if a rookie quarterback could push Hurts to take his game to the next level.

Conclusion: A Bold and Unpredictable Move

While many fans might have expected the Eagles’ first draft pick to focus on defense, offensive line, or even adding another playmaker on offense, it looks like the team may surprise us all with a quarterback pick. This unexpected move shows that the Eagles are thinking long-term, and it adds a layer of intrigue to their draft plans.

Will this draft choice pay off in the long run, or will it be a pick that fans look back on with confusion? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: the Eagles’ first draft leak has already added plenty of excitement and speculation to an already action-packed NFL offseason.

As the draft day approaches, one thing is certain: the Eagles are preparing to shake things up, and they’re not afraid to make moves that defy expectations. Keep an eye on their next moves, because this is a team with championship aspirations, and their draft decisions will be key to shaping their future.